AdGuard VPN vs Surfshark
You turn on a VPN expecting it to quietly protect you, but the experience quickly differs from service to service. One feels light and unobtrusive, another adds layers of options you may not need every day. This friction becomes obvious when a VPN slows a connection, complicates simple tasks, or feels overbuilt for casual browsing. Many users run into this moment when choosing between tools designed for very different philosophies of privacy and everyday convenience.
This comparison matters because AdGuard VPN and Surfshark often attract the same people for different reasons. One appeals to users who value simplicity and tight integration with familiar privacy tools, while the other targets those who expect a VPN to handle streaming, travel, and multiple devices without compromise. A common mistake is assuming these services are interchangeable, when their priorities shape how they fit into daily routines over time.
Reading on will give you clarity grounded in real usage rather than feature lists. You will see how these approaches differ once the VPN becomes part of ordinary habits, from casual browsing to more demanding scenarios. The focus is on practical boundaries, not marketing promises, helping you understand what you gain in ease, what you gain in flexibility, and where AdGuard VPN and Surfshark quietly draw the line between simplicity and versatility.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- AdGuard VPN is lightweight, integrates ad-blocking and DNS customization, and offers a compact but well-distributed network spanning around 70 countries. It appeals to users who like minimal apps and prefer browsing with built-in privacy tools.
- Surfshark includes more than 4,500 servers across about 100 countries, supports unlimited devices and provides features such as Camouflage and NoBorders modes, making it far more capable for streaming, torrenting, heavy travel and bypassing restrictions.
- Some households may prefer a hardware-based VPN setup that protects every device automatically without installing apps individually, which can simplify life for families or small offices.
Quick Comparison: AdGuard VPN vs Surfshark
| Feature | AdGuard VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | Cyprus (outside the 14-Eyes group) | Netherlands (part of Nine-Eyes, supported by independent no-logs audits) |
| Server count | Approximately 800–1,000 servers | 4,500+ servers |
| Countries/locations | About 70 countries, 65+ locations | 100 countries |
| Simultaneous devices | Up to 10 devices | Unlimited devices |
| Starting price (monthly) | Around US$2.99 on long-term plans | From about US$1.99 on multi-year Starter plans |
The contrast between these two services comes down to scope and intentions. Surfshark casts a wider net, supports an unlimited number of devices and includes a deeper toolbox suited for streaming, advanced privacy and heavy travel. AdGuard VPN instead prioritises simplicity and privacy-aware browsing, although its smaller server network means fewer alternatives if you run into speed or availability issues. Your choice depends on whether you want a streamlined app that prioritises ad-blocking or a multipurpose VPN with the flexibility to handle demanding use cases.
If neither service matches your expectations, consider a hardware VPN router or a plug-and-play solution such as the Shellfire VPN app or the Shellfire Box. These options secure every device automatically and can be ideal for homes where convenience matters as much as privacy.
Infrastructure & Global Coverage
| Infrastructure | AdGuard VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Server count | Roughly 800–1,000 servers in about 70 countries; mix of physical and virtual nodes | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries |
| Physical vs virtual | Combination of both, with virtual servers used for sensitive or hard-to-host regions | Primarily physical servers, supplemented with virtual locations where needed |
| Special regions | Broader coverage in Europe and the Americas, fewer options in Africa and Oceania | Widely distributed coverage including Africa, the Middle East and Asia with P2P available everywhere |
AdGuard VPN keeps a compact but thoughtfully spread infrastructure. The network performs best when connecting to nearby servers, and its virtual locations allow it to offer regions where physical hosting would be impractical. That said, being a smaller network, speeds can fluctuate more on distant routes and during peak hours. Still, the coverage is generally enough for everyday browsing and privacy protection.
Surfshark, meanwhile, deploys one of the wider networks in the consumer VPN space, built on RAM-only servers and offering specialised routes such as static IP and MultiHop. This broader footprint helps maintain lower latency and more stable performance, especially for users who travel or regularly access services hosted abroad. If you want to compare Surfshark with another major competitor, you can explore our in-depth Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison.
Speed & Performance
| Metric | AdGuard VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Typical download/upload | Speed loss of roughly 40–50% on nearby servers, more across continents | WireGuard typically retains 75–85% of base speed |
| Latency | Local ping generally 40–80 ms; higher on long routes | Low latency on nearby servers; stable performance across regions |
| Performance stability | Stable locally but more variable on distant servers | Consistently stable thanks to RAM-only infrastructure and load balancing |
AdGuard VPN performs adequately when you connect to nearby servers, making it perfectly fine for browsing, social media, general entertainment and moderate streaming. Its proprietary protocol helps it remain responsive on familiar routes, but performance declines more noticeably on distant servers, which may be an issue for people who frequently access content hosted abroad.
Surfshark remains one of the faster VPNs in real-world tests. The combination of WireGuard and a broad infrastructure means you can stream 4K content, upload large files or join long video meetings without the connection bogging down. It also holds up better under heavy, multi-device use, which is increasingly common in busy households.
Security & Privacy
| Feature | AdGuard VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | AES-256 with perfect forward secrecy | AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 with perfect forward secrecy |
| Protocols | Proprietary AdGuard protocol plus QUIC | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, plus Camouflage and NoBorders |
| Kill switch | Available on most platforms except iOS | Available across all major platforms |
| DNS leak protection | Built-in leak protection with AdGuard DNS options | Private DNS on all servers with strong leak protection |
| Audits & logging policy | No independent audits yet; strict no-logs claim | Audited no-logs policy verified by Deloitte |
| Jurisdiction | Cyprus (privacy-friendly) | Netherlands (offset by strong audited policies) |
Both VPNs provide secure encryption, but Surfshark strengthens its position with audited privacy claims, RAM-only servers and multiple open-source protocols. These factors tend to inspire more confidence among users who want verifiable privacy. AdGuard VPN offers a tight integration with its ad-blocking ecosystem and uses a proprietary protocol designed to resemble regular web traffic, which can be useful in some restricted environments, though not as reliable in heavily censored regions.
Streaming Performance
| Platform | AdGuard VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Unblocks US/UK/Canada with mixed consistency | Reliable access to several international libraries |
| Disney+ | Occasionally works but may require switching servers | Consistently unblocks Disney+ |
| Amazon Prime Video | Often blocked; lacks Smart DNS | Unblocks major regions, includes Smart DNS |
| BBC iPlayer / Hulu | Frequently detected | High success rate thanks to obfuscation modes |
| Video quality | 4K possible on nearby servers; may buffer on distant ones | Stable 4K playback across many servers |
AdGuard VPN can handle casual streaming and works on several major libraries, though it becomes less reliable once you branch out into multiple platforms. The absence of Smart DNS also means smart TVs and consoles need manual workarounds. Surfshark is better equipped for heavy streaming across devices, offering smoother playback and easier access to international content.
Looking for reliable streaming access across all devices?
Our Shellfire Box is designed to provide consistent access to your favorite streaming platforms, which can be a helpful solution if you’re experiencing issues with other VPNs.
Platform Compatibility
| Platform | AdGuard VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop OS | Available on Windows and macOS through streamlined desktop apps | Windows, macOS and Linux, each supported with full-featured clients |
| Mobile OS | Android and iOS apps, although the iOS version lacks a kill switch | Android and iOS with near-identical feature sets to the desktop versions |
| Smart TVs & streaming devices | No native apps; users must rely on sideloading or router setups | Native apps for Android TV and Fire TV, plus Smart DNS for Apple TV and game consoles |
| Browser extensions | Extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Opera | Extensions for Chrome, Firefox and Edge, supporting tracker and cookie blocking |
| Router support | No official router support | Compatible with many routers via OpenVPN or WireGuard configurations |
AdGuard VPN covers the main platforms people use day to day, and its apps are easy to handle even if you are not particularly technical. The biggest limitation appears when you want VPN protection on devices like smart TVs or consoles, since there is no Smart DNS option. Router installs are also not officially supported, so expanding protection across a whole household can become tricky.
Surfshark is better suited to multi-device households or users who want VPN coverage everywhere, including media hubs and streaming devices. Smart DNS is particularly handy because it works even on gadgets that cannot run VPN apps. If you prefer an even simpler approach, a dedicated hardware device such as the Shellfire Box can centralize protection for all Wi-Fi devices without manual configuration.
Performance in Censorship-Heavy Countries
| Region | AdGuard VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| China | Inconsistent; obfuscation attempts often fail and connections may drop | More stable; NoBorders mode helps identify and access servers that evade deep packet inspection |
| Russia | Relies on virtual servers; service interruptions can occur | Camouflage mode helps mask VPN traffic more effectively |
| Middle East | Limited options; occasional failures on restrictive networks | Broader server presence and stronger obfuscation tools |
Users in restrictive regions quickly notice the difference between a VPN designed for general use and one equipped with targeted anti-censorship tools. AdGuard VPN does make an effort to disguise VPN traffic through its proprietary protocol, but in places with aggressive deep packet inspection such attempts tend to struggle. Connections may fail frequently or become unstable.
Surfshark is better adapted to such situations thanks to Camouflage and NoBorders modes. These features help traffic appear less like a VPN connection and more like normal encrypted data, raising the chances of staying online even in difficult environments. While no VPN is perfect in heavily censored regions, Surfshark’s toolkit gives it a noticeable advantage.
User Experience & Apps
| Criterion | AdGuard VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| UI design | Clean, minimal and straightforward; focuses on clarity over complexity | Modern layout with location filters, maps and more granular controls |
| Ease of use | Beginner-friendly with few settings to adjust | Simple enough for new users but robust for advanced setups |
| Stability | Stable on nearby servers; long-distance routes can be uneven | Generally stable across the entire network |
| Customization | Basic settings such as protocol choice and exclusion list | Advanced options including split tunneling, MultiHop, IP rotation and more |
AdGuard VPN aims to stay minimal. People who dislike endless menus and toggles may appreciate how quickly you can jump into a session without thinking about configurations. The trade-off is that advanced users may feel constrained. There are no MultiHop chains, no detailed obfuscation options and fewer diagnostic tools.
Surfshark offers a more layered experience. Beginners can connect with a single tap, while privacy-focused users can dig into sophisticated controls. If you routinely switch between countries, need to bypass throttling or simply enjoy fine-tuning your tools, Surfshark’s apps give you that room to explore.
And if you want VPN protection without managing apps at all, especially in a household with older smart TVs or shared devices, the Shellfire Box remains a practical way to secure everything on your network through one small plug-and-play device.
Customer Support
| Support channel | AdGuard VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Live chat | No live chat; support is provided by email only | 24/7 live chat available |
| Email/ticket | Responses may take up to several days | Fast responses, often within minutes |
| Self-help resources | Knowledge base, community forum and GitHub pages with technical notes | Extensive tutorials, FAQs and troubleshooting articles |
| Phone support | No | No, but live chat covers most needs |
Customer support is an area where the difference feels immediate. AdGuard VPN offers helpful documentation and a community forum, but wait times via email can be slow, especially if you are troubleshooting connection issues while travelling. Users who prefer quick answers might find this frustrating.
Surfshark provides a more responsive experience with its 24/7 live chat. Whether you are configuring a new device, curious about which server works best for a streaming platform or facing problems on a hotel Wi-Fi network, help is available on the spot. This convenience is often underrated but makes a big difference for many users.
Additional Features
| Feature | AdGuard VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Ad/tracker blocking | Yes, through AdGuard DNS and extensions | Yes, CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers and malicious domains |
| Split tunneling | Available on Windows and Android | Available on Android, Windows, iOS and older macOS versions |
| MultiHop/Double VPN | Not supported | Available, including dynamic MultiHop routing |
| Static IP | Not available | Optional add-on available |
| Obfuscation | Basic obfuscation through its proprietary protocol | Advanced obfuscation via Camouflage and NoBorders modes |
| SOCKS5 proxy | Available with limited server options | No SOCKS5, but P2P allowed on all servers |
Feature-wise, the difference is fairly stark. AdGuard VPN focuses on the essentials and integrates well with existing ad-blocking tools, which is great for users who mainly want a clean, privacy-friendly browsing environment. But it lacks deeper VPN functions such as MultiHop or advanced obfuscation, which many power users rely on.
Surfshark offers a more complete toolbox covering privacy, convenience and performance. Features like dynamic MultiHop routing and extended split tunneling can make daily use feel smoother for people who juggle personal and work needs on multiple devices.
VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More
| Use case | AdGuard VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Torrenting / P2P | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Gaming | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Remote work | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Budget-conscious users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Users in censorship-heavy countries | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Best VPN for Streaming
Streaming is one of the biggest reasons people subscribe to a VPN today, and the difference between these two services becomes obvious the moment you hop between libraries. Surfshark is known for reliably accessing platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Hulu and BBC iPlayer, thanks in part to its large server pool and smart features like Smart DNS. This makes it easy to watch shows on devices that don’t normally support VPN apps, like certain smart TVs and consoles.
AdGuard VPN can certainly open some popular Netflix regions and a handful of other services, but its reliability varies. You may find yourself switching servers more often, especially during peak hours or on platforms known for aggressive VPN detection. If you stream casually and stick to nearby servers, it works well enough, but frequent streamers will benefit from Surfshark’s consistency.
If you prefer a setup that automatically protects every streaming device in your home without fiddling with manual installations, a plug-and-play router such as the Shellfire Box can pair well with any VPN account.
Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P
For torrenting, the key factors are speed, stability and a no-logs policy you can trust. Surfshark supports P2P across its entire network, so you never need to hunt for a dedicated torrent-friendly location. The kill switch, RAM-only servers and strong audits add additional peace of mind for users who share files regularly.
AdGuard VPN permits torrenting but limits it to specific P2P-friendly servers. This means speeds may vary depending on how close those servers are to you and how heavily they’re used at the time. It’s fine for occasional downloads, but serious torrent users will likely prefer Surfshark’s broader, more flexible approach.
Best VPN for Gaming
Gamers care less about raw download speeds and more about latency and stability. Here, Surfshark usually delivers smoother results thanks to its optimized WireGuard protocol and wide geographic coverage. Connecting to servers in other regions tends to feel more responsive, which helps for matchmaking and accessing region-exclusive game content.
AdGuard VPN remains usable for casual gaming, especially on local servers, but latency tends to spike on longer routes. If gaming is something you do regularly or competitively, Surfshark’s larger infrastructure is noticeably more forgiving.
Best VPN for Remote Work
With remote and hybrid work becoming the norm, a stable and secure VPN is essential for video meetings, remote desktop tools and cloud storage uploads. Surfshark excels here because of its reliability across long sessions and the convenience of unlimited device connections. Many people now work on laptops, tablets and phones interchangeably, and Surfshark covers all of them under one plan.
AdGuard VPN works well for lightweight workflows like email, browsing or content management. However, long-distance stability and the lack of certain advanced features, like full obfuscation modes or MultiHop, can occasionally limit its suitability for more sensitive or intensive work tasks.
If you manage a small team or maintain a home office with multiple devices, a hardware solution such as the Shellfire Box can simplify security by covering every device in one go.
Best VPN for Budget-Conscious Users
When comparing long-term plans, AdGuard VPN maintains a competitive price point around US$2.99 per month. For users who primarily browse, block ads and enjoy occasional streaming, it offers respectable value.
Surfshark, despite generally having a slightly lower base price on promotional long-term Starter plans, provides unlimited devices and a broader feature set, which often results in better overall value. In households with several devices, Surfshark’s unlimited connection policy can actually save money compared to purchasing multiple licences elsewhere.
Best VPN for Censorship-Heavy Countries
In restrictive environments such as China, Iran or certain Middle Eastern countries, advanced obfuscation becomes essential. Surfshark stands out with Camouflage mode and NoBorders mode, both designed to help bypass deep packet inspection and network-level filtering. While no VPN is guaranteed to work everywhere, Surfshark gives travellers and expatriates a better fighting chance.
AdGuard VPN uses a proprietary protocol that sometimes passes as regular encrypted traffic but is not built specifically for harsh censorship. As a result, it may fail to connect in tougher regions. Users who frequently travel or live under restrictive regimes will likely find Surfshark far more dependable in these scenarios.
Conclusion
AdGuard VPN and Surfshark cater to different expectations around daily VPN use. AdGuard VPN emphasizes simplicity and a lightweight experience, fitting users who mainly want quieter browsing with minimal distraction and a familiar interface. It works comfortably for routine online activity without demanding much attention. Surfshark takes a broader approach, aiming to support more demanding scenarios with consistency and reach. The contrast is less about basic protection and more about how much scope and resilience you expect from a VPN over time.
The decision becomes clearer when you consider how heavily you rely on a VPN. If your usage centers on everyday browsing, occasional streaming, and reducing online noise, AdGuard VPN can feel sufficient and easy to live with. If streaming access, frequent travel, or working across different regions are regular needs, Surfshark tends to align better with those habits. Neither option is inherently superior. Each reflects a different balance between simplicity and versatility, depending on how central the VPN is to your routine.
Some users prefer to step outside the app-based model altogether. Hardware solutions like the Shellfire Box offer a way to protect entire networks without managing individual devices, while the Shellfire VPN app focuses on straightforward protection with minimal setup. Ultimately, the most effective choice is the one that fits your expectations and environment. When the VPN blends naturally into daily use instead of demanding attention, it delivers the most lasting value.
